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Should
families be thinking about summer camp?
You bet!
As the air turns cooler, and the beauty
of fall begins to bloom, many families
aren’t thinking about summer camp.
However, now is the perfect time to begin
searching for the perfect camp experience
for next summer. According to the American
Camp Association® (ACA), over 35 percent
of camps begin accepting registrations
between September and December.
When should families start the camp
selection process?
The earlier the better! The sooner a family
begins searching, the more time they have
to evaluate
multiple camps, speak with camp
directors, and take advantage of any
special pricing or early bird offers provided
by the camp.
What are some of the best ways for
families to do their research?
Choosing a camp should be a shared process
for the whole family. Families can research
online to learn what opportunities are
available. ACA’s family resource
site, www.CampParents.org,
offers Find
A Camp, a searchable database of ACA’s
2,400 accredited camps. Other ways to learn
about great camp possibilities is to seek
recommendations from friends, consult faith
communities or community centers, and attend
local camp fairs. For personal
assistance close to home, parents can contact
one of ACA’s 24
local offices.
What are some of the camp options to
consider?
Is a day camp or resident (overnight) camp
more appropriate for the child involved?
Will the child be more comfortable in a
single-sex or co-ed camp? Families can
visit ACA’s parent
resource site for information on gauging
a child’s readiness and selecting
the right camp.
How can parents be assured of a camp’s
commitment to health and safety?
ACA-Accreditation® is the best evidence
for parents that a camp is committed to
providing a safe and nurturing environment
for their children. A camp that is ACA-accredited
has undergone a thorough review, and has
met up to 300 health and safety standards.
Parents should always ask if a camp is
currently accredited. If not, ask why.
What about camp as a gift for the holidays?
For a unique gift this year that doesn’t
involve boxes or batteries, friends and
family can consider giving the Gift of
Camp. Camp provides extraordinary learning
opportunities, lasting memories, an opportunity
to unplug and connect with nature, and
a chance to just be a kid.
Contact Public Relations at 765.349.3317 or pr@ACAcamps.org to
interview an ACA
spokesperson or for more information about finding the perfect camp experience
for next summer. For customizable public
service announcements or article
reprints, visit our Media Center at www.ACAcamps.org/media.
About ACA
The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote, and enhance
the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-Accredited® camp programs
ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally
challenging learning opportunities. There are over 2,400 ACA-accredited camps
that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit www.ACAcamps.org.
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